THEORIES OF IR (1)

Question 1

Define what a theory is.

Answer 1

A Theory is a simplification of the world for us to help better understand it.

Question 2

List the prominent theories in IR

Answer 2

Realism
Liberalism
Constructivism
The English School
Marxist theories
Post-structuralism
Feminism

Question 3

What is the Oldest / most dominant theory within IR?

Answer 3

Realism

Question 4

What are the 4 Realist assumptions? Hint SSSE

Answer 4

1) States = the only relevant actor
2) States live in a self-help system of government
3) States interests lie in increasing security and power
4) Emphasis on relative gains

Question 5

What gains do realists like to emphasize?

Answer 5

Relative gains

Question 6

Who are some of the philosophical precursors to realism?

Answer 6

Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes

Question 7

What notion did Hobbes hold about states of nature and states of war?

Answer 7

That states of nature = state of war

Question 8

What does Classical realism emphasize?

Answer 8

Classical realism focuses on human nature to explain state behaviour, with the underlying assumption that human nature = is selfish/power-driven

Question 9

Name two important classical realist thinkers.

Answer 9

E.H Carr and Hans Morgenthau

Question 10

What is Neorealism’s main focus?

Answer 10

Neorelasim emphasizes state behaviour within the international system.

Question 11

What do Neorealists argue?

Answer 11

That states are security maximizers

Question 12

Who are some important NEO realists?

Answer 12

Kenneth Waltz’ and John Mearsheimer

Question 13

What is the difference between Classical, Neo, and Neoclassical Realism?

Answer 13

Classical realists focus on human behaviour while neo-realists focus on the state and its place within the international system. Neo-classical realists, however, meld these two notions together by focusing on both the state’s role in the international system as well as with the internal structure of the state.

Question 14

What does Neoclassical realism focus on?

Answer 14

Neoclassical realism focuses on both the internal aspects of the state (national) and the external affairs of the state (international)

Question 15

List three propositions of neo-classical realism. HINT Security, Balance, Hegemonic

Answer 15

1) the security dilemma thesis
2) Balance of power theory
3) Hegemonic stability theory

Question 16

What are the three main critiques of realism?

Answer 16

Too pessimistic about anarchy
Too state-centric
Has severe difficulties in accounting for change

Question 17

What is Liberalism also referred to as?

Answer 17

utopianism / idelasim

Question 18

What are the core assumptions of liberalism? Hint Central but not only, interdependence and these types of gains

Answer 18

States are central actors but not the only ones

Anarchy is mitigated by interdependence and international institutions

Emphasis placed on absolute gains

strong belief in human progress

Question 20

Who were the philosophical Precursors of liberalism?

Answer 20

Locke and Grotius, Kant, Smith and Bentham, Wilson.

Question 21

What does classical/old liberalism suggest?

Answer 21

Saw human nature as progressive, and believed behaviour could be shaped by institutions. Emphasis on individual freedoms through democracy and market capitalism

Question 22

What does classical liberalism suggest shapes state interests?

Answer 22

Domestic factors

Question 23

When did Neoliberalism emerge?

Answer 23

1970

Question 24

What does neo-liberalism argue?

Answer 24

Argues that institutionalism dampens international anarchy and that economic interdependence is important

Question 25

What are the four liberal propositions?

Answer 25

1) Democratic peace theory

2) Functionalism

3) Rational choice/game theory

Regime theory

Question 26

What is Functionalism?

Answer 26

Governance and its arrangments arise out of their basic functions.

Question 27

What social science is the theory of constructivism rooted in?

Answer 27

Sociology